System and Method for Stemming a Wheel

ABSTRACT

A stemming system includes a computing device and a stemming device. The computing device includes data processing hardware and memory hardware in communication with the data processing hardware. The data processing hardware includes a transmitter and a receiver. The stemming device is communicatively-coupled to the computing device. The stemming device includes a base portion and a valve-engaging portion. The valve-engaging portion includes a transducer that obtains a measurement communicated to the receiver of the computing device. The measurement includes at least one physical parameter associated with installing a tire-wheel assembly valve to a wheel throughout a process of disposing the valve within a valve hole of the wheel. The processor analyzes a data signature associated with the measurement for determining if the valve has been adequately or inadequately installed by the stemming device.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.16/261,288, filed on Jan. 29, 2019, which claims priority under 35U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application 62/624,004, filed onJan. 30, 2018 the disclosures of which are considered part of thedisclosure of this application and are hereby incorporated by referencein their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The disclosure relates to a stemming device, a stemming system includinga stemming device and a wheel processing system including the same.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

It is known in the art to assemble a tire-wheel assembly in severalsteps. Usually, conventional methodologies that conduct such stepsrequire a significant capital investment and human oversight. Thepresent invention overcomes drawbacks associated with the prior art bysetting forth a simple system and method that contributes to assemblinga tire-wheel assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure will now be described, by way of example, with referenceto the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a side view of a valve including a tire pressure monitorremovably-secured to an exemplary stemming device that iscommunicatively-coupled to a computing device.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of an exemplary wheel processing systemincluding the stemming device and computing device of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 is an end view of the exemplary wheel processing system of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a portion of a wheel, the valve includingthe tire pressure monitor removably-secured to the stemming device andthe computing device according to line 4 of FIG. 3 .

FIG. 5A is an enlarged view of the computing devicecommunicatively-coupled to the stemming device that isadequately-securing the valve including the tire pressure monitor to thewheel according to FIG. 4 .

FIG. 5B is an enlarged view of the valve including the tire pressuremonitor adequately-secured to the wheel by the stemming device accordingto FIG. 5A.

FIG. 5C is an exemplary force signal communicated from the stemmingdevice to the computing device in association with the stemming deviceadequately-securing the valve including the tire pressure monitor to thewheel.

FIG. 5D is an exemplary view of a computing device displaying the forcesignal of FIG. 5C and an indicator or alert regarding the adequateperformance of the stemming device that has adequately-secured the valveincluding the tire pressure monitor to the wheel.

FIG. 6A is an enlarged view of the computing devicecommunicatively-coupled to the stemming device that isinadequately-securing the valve including the tire pressure monitor tothe wheel according to FIG. 4 .

FIG. 6B is an enlarged view of the valve including the tire pressuremonitor inadequately-secured to the wheel by the stemming deviceaccording to FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6C is an exemplary force signal communicated from the stemmingdevice to the computing device in association with the stemming deviceinadequately-securing the valve including the tire pressure monitor tothe wheel.

FIG. 6D is an exemplary view of a computing device displaying the forcesignal of FIG. 6C and an indicator or alert regarding the inadequateperformance of the stemming device that has inadequately-secured thevalve including the tire pressure monitor to the wheel.

FIG. 7 is a side view of a valve including a tire pressure monitorremovably-secured to an exemplary stemming device that iscommunicatively-coupled to a computing device.

FIGS. 8A-8E are end views of an exemplary wheel processing systemincluding the stemming device of FIG. 7 .

FIG. 9 is a side view of an exemplary valve including an exemplary tirepressure monitor.

FIG. 10A is a top view of an exemplary tire.

FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view of the tire according to line 10B-10Bof FIG. 10A.

FIG. 10C is a side view of the tire of FIG. 10A.

FIG. 10D is a bottom view of the tire of FIG. 10A.

FIG. 11A is a top view of an exemplary wheel.

FIG. 11B is a side view of the wheel of FIG. 11A.

FIG. 12 is a top view of the tire of FIGS. 10A-10D joined to the wheelof FIGS. 11A-11B.

FIG. 13 is a schematic view of an example computing device that may beused to implement the systems and methods described herein.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the disclosure provides a system including data processinghardware and memory hardware in communication with the data processinghardware storing instructions that when executed on the data processinghardware cause the data processing hardware to perform operations. Theoperations include receiving, at a receiver of the data processinghardware, data associated with at least one physical parameterassociated with installing a tire-wheel assembly valve along aninstallation axis of a stemming device including a transducer thatcommunicated with a tire-wheel assembly valve. The operations furtherinclude recording, in the memory hardware, the received data throughoutan act of the stemming device inserting the tire-wheel assembly valvethrough a valve hole of a wheel. The operations yet further includeutilizing an algorithm at a processor of the data processing hardwarefor comparing the recorded data against a data signature for determiningif the tire-wheel assembly valve is adequately or inadequately installedwithin the valve hole of the wheel.

Implementations of the disclosure may include one or more of thefollowing optional features. For example, the operations further includesending, from a transmitter of the data processing hardware, avalidation signal to a wheel processing system including the stemmingdevice for validating the wheel including the tire-wheel assembly valvebeing adequately disposed within the valve hole of the wheel.

In some implementations, the operations further include sending, from atransmitter of the data processing hardware, a rejection signal to awheel processing system including the stemming device for rejecting thewheel including the tire-wheel assembly valve being inadequatelydisposed within the valve hole of the wheel.

In some examples, the data associated with the transducer is derivedfrom at least one of a force transducer, pressure transducer, absoluteposition transducer, relative position transducer, proximity transduceror the like, and is positioned axially along an installation axis thestemming device received by the receiver of the data processing hardwareat a rate of 100 Hz or greater.

In some implementations, the data signature is formulated by numericallyestimating a time derivative of the axial force along the installationaxis of the stemming device over time.

In some examples, the processor of the data processing hardwareretrieves the data signature from a characteristic signature databasestored in the memory hardware. The characteristic signature databaseincludes one or more data signatures indicative of an adequateinstallation of one or more types of tire-wheel assembly valves withinvalve holes of one or more types of wheels.

Another aspect of the disclosure provides computer program productencoded on a non-transitory computer readable storage medium comprisinginstructions that when executed by a data processing apparatus cause thedata processing apparatus to perform operations. The operations includereceiving, at a receiver of the data processing apparatus, dataassociated with an applied axial force along an installation axis of astemming device including a force transducer that supports a tire-wheelassembly valve. The operations also include recording, in memoryhardware of the data processing apparatus, the received data throughoutan act of the stemming device inserting the tire-wheel assembly valvethrough a valve hole of a wheel. The operations further includeutilizing an algorithm at a processor of the data processing apparatusfor comparing the recorded data against a data signature for determiningif the tire-wheel assembly valve is adequately or inadequately installedwithin the valve hole of the wheel.

Implementations of the disclosure may include one or more of thefollowing optional features. For example, the operations includesending, from a transmitter of the data processing apparatus, avalidation signal to a wheel processing system including the stemmingdevice for validating the wheel including the tire-wheel assembly valvebeing adequately disposed within the valve hole of the wheel.

In some implementations, the operations include sending, from atransmitter of the data processing apparatus, a rejection signal to awheel processing system including the stemming device for rejecting thewheel including the tire-wheel assembly valve being inadequatelydisposed within the valve hole of the wheel.

Yet another aspect of the disclosure provides a stemming system. Thestemming system includes a computing device, a stemming device and analgorithm. The computing device includes data processing hardware andmemory hardware in communication with the data processing hardware. Thedata processing hardware includes a transmitter and a receiver. Thestemming device is communicatively-coupled to the computing device. Thestemming device includes a base portion and a valve-engaging portion.The valve-engaging portion includes a force transducer that obtains ameasurement communicated to the receiver of the computing device. Themeasurement is an applied axial force over time imparted by thevalve-engaging portion to a wheel by way of a valve throughout a processof disposing the valve within a valve hole of the wheel. The algorithmis executed by a processor of the data processing hardware for analyzinga data signature associated with the measurement for determining if thevalve has been adequately or inadequately installed by the stemmingdevice.

Implementations of the disclosure may include one or more of thefollowing optional features. For example, the stemming system mayfurther include a wheel-engaging portion connected to the base portion.The wheel-engaging portion includes a wheel clamping portion forsecuring the stemming device to the wheel.

In some implementations, the valve-engaging portion may further includea support portion that supports the force transducer. The supportportion is generally defined by a first surface and a second surface.The first surface directly supports the force transducer and issubstantially orthogonal to an installation axis of the stemming device.The installation axis of the stemming device is axially aligned with anaxis extending through an axial center of the valve. The forcetransducer is uniaxial or co-linear with the axis extending through theaxial center of the valve.

In some examples, the valve-engaging portion further includes an armportion rotatably-connected to the base portion. The valve-engagingportion may yet further include a valve securing portion disposed uponthe force transducer. The second surface of the support portion issubstantially perpendicular to the first surface of the support portionand is configured to support or is arranged at least proximate a sidesurface of one or more of the force transducer, the securing portion anda tire pressure monitor connected to the valve. The second surface issubstantially parallel to the installation axis of the stemming device.

In some implementations, the stemming system may further include acarrier portion connected to the base portion. The carrier portion maybe an end effector of a robotic device having a robotic arm.

In some examples, the robotic device is a component of a wheelprocessing system including a wheel conveyor that moves a plurality ofwheels past the robotic device such that the robotic device may disposethe valve within the valve hole of the wheel. The wheel processingsystem further includes a conveyor controller connected to a conveyorswitch that is operable for advancing at least one inadequately stemmedwheel from a first direction along the wheel conveyor to a seconddirection along a rejection conveyor to a reject station.

In some instances, the valve-engaging portion further includes aplurality of linear servos. The plurality of linear servos may beconnected to the base portion.

In some implementations, the plurality of linear servos are componentsof a wheel processing system including a wheel conveyor that moves aplurality of wheels past the plurality of linear servos such that theplurality of linear servos may dispose the valve within the valve holeof the wheel. The wheel processing system further includes a conveyorcontroller connected to a conveyor switch that is operable for advancingat least one inadequately stemmed wheel from a first direction along thewheel conveyor to a second direction along a rejection conveyor to areject station.

Another aspect of the disclosure provides a stemming system. Thestemming system includes a computing device, a stemming device and meansfor analyzing a data signature. The computing device includes dataprocessing hardware and memory hardware in communication with the dataprocessing hardware. The data processing hardware includes a transmitterand a receiver. The stemming device is communicatively-coupled to thecomputing device. The stemming device includes a base portion and avalve-engaging portion. The valve-engaging portion includes a forcetransducer that obtains a measurement communicated to the receiver ofthe computing device. The measurement is an applied axial force overtime imparted by the valve-engaging portion to a wheel by way of a valvethroughout a process of disposing the valve within a valve hole of thewheel. The means for analyzing a data signature is executed by aprocessor of the data processing hardware. The means for analyzing adata signature analyzes the data signature associated with themeasurement for determining if the valve has been adequately orinadequately installed by the stemming device.

Implementations of the disclosure may include one or more of thefollowing optional features. For example, the stemming system mayfurther include a wheel-engaging portion connected to the base portion.The wheel-engaging portion includes a wheel clamping portion forsecuring the stemming device to the wheel.

In some implementations, the valve-engaging portion may further includea support portion that supports the force transducer. The supportportion is generally defined by a first surface and a second surface.The first surface directly supports the force transducer and issubstantially orthogonal to an installation axis of the stemming device.The installation axis of the stemming device is axially aligned with anaxis extending through an axial center of the valve. The forcetransducer is uniaxial or co-linear with the axis extending through theaxial center of the valve.

In some examples, the valve-engaging portion further includes an armportion rotatably-connected to the base portion. The valve-engagingportion may yet further include a valve securing portion disposed uponthe force transducer. The second surface of the support portion issubstantially perpendicular to the first surface of the support portionand is configured to support or is arranged at least proximate a sidesurface of one or more of the force transducer, the securing portion anda tire pressure monitor connected to the valve. The second surface issubstantially parallel to the installation axis of the stemming device.

In some implementations, the stemming system may further include acarrier portion connected to the base portion. The carrier portion maybe an end effector of a robotic device having a robotic arm.

In some examples, the robotic device is a component of a wheelprocessing system including a wheel conveyor that moves a plurality ofwheels past the robotic device such that the robotic device may disposethe valve within the valve hole of the wheel. The wheel processingsystem further includes a conveyor controller connected to a conveyorswitch that is operable for advancing at least one inadequately stemmedwheel from a first direction along the wheel conveyor to a seconddirection along a rejection conveyor to a reject station.

In some instances, the valve-engaging portion further includes aplurality of linear servos. The plurality of linear servos may beconnected to the base portion.

In some implementations, the plurality of linear servos are componentsof a wheel processing system including a wheel conveyor that moves aplurality of wheels past the plurality of linear servos such that theplurality of linear servos may dispose the valve within the valve holeof the wheel. The wheel processing system further includes a conveyorcontroller connected to a conveyor switch that is operable for advancingat least one inadequately stemmed wheel from a first direction along thewheel conveyor to a second direction along a rejection conveyor to areject station.

Yet another aspect of the disclosure provides a method of electronicallyproviding stemming adequacy information pertaining to performance of astemming device that is configured to secure a valve including a tirepressure monitor to a wheel. Memory hardware is in communication withdata processing hardware. The memory hardware stores instructions thatwhen executed on the data processing hardware cause the data processinghardware to perform operations The operations include executing aprogram configured for communicating a stemming adequacy indicatorpertaining to performance of the stemming device that is configured tosecure the valve including the tire pressure monitor to the wheel.

Implementations of the disclosure may include one or more of thefollowing optional features. For example, the communicating the stemmingadequacy indicator step includes displaying on a screen in communicationwith the data processing hardware a graphical user interface having avisual indicator. The visual indicator displayed on the screen includesone or more of: a symbol; text; and a graphical representation of avalve insertion force signal that is graphed with an applied statisticaltechnique. In other examples, the communicating the stemming adequacyindicator step includes audibly announcing from a speaker incommunication with the data processing hardware an audible indicator.The audible indicator announced from the speaker includes one or moreof: a synthesized voice; a pleasant sound indicating an adequatesecuring of the valve to the wheel; and an unpleasant sound indicatingan inadequate securing of the valve to the wheel.

In some instances, the operations further include receiving at aconveyor controller in communication with the data processing hardwarean automatically-provided sorting signal related to a stemminginadequacy indicator of the stemming adequacy indicator for causing awheel-carrying conveyor to segregate at least one inadequately stemmedwheel from a population of adequately stemmed wheels. In someimplementations, the operations further include receiving at a conveyorswitch in communication with the conveyor controller a switch operationsignal for advancing the at least one inadequately stemmed wheel from afirst direction along the wheel-carrying conveyor to a second directionalong a rejection conveyor to a reject station.

In other implementations, the operations further include, in response toa user input signal provided from a user input device, receiving at aconveyor controller in communication with the data processing hardware amanually-provided sorting signal related to a stemming inadequacyindicator of the stemming adequacy indicator for causing awheel-carrying conveyor to segregate at least one inadequately stemmedwheel from a population of adequately stemmed wheels. In some examples,the operations further include receiving at a conveyor switch incommunication with the conveyor controller a switch operation signal foradvancing the at least one inadequately stemmed wheel from a firstdirection along the wheel-carrying conveyor to a second direction alonga rejection conveyor to a reject station.

The details of one or more implementations of the disclosure are setforth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Otheraspects, features, and advantages will be apparent from the descriptionand drawings, and from the claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The figures illustrate an exemplary implementation of a stemming device,a stemming system including a stemming device and a wheel processingsystem including the same. Based on the foregoing, it is to be generallyunderstood that the nomenclature used herein is simply for convenienceand the terms used to describe the invention should be given thebroadest meaning by one of ordinary skill in the art.

Prior to describing embodiments of the invention, reference is made toFIG. 9 , which illustrates an exemplary valve V that is utilized forinflating a circumferential air cavity T_(AC) (see, e.g., FIG. 10B) of atire T (see, e.g., FIGS. 10A-10D) that is secured to a wheel (see, e.g.,FIGS. 11A-11B) that forms a tire-wheel assembly TW (see, e.g., FIG. 12). In some instances, the valve V may be referred to as a “snap-invalve.” The valve V may be generally defined by a valve stem V_(S) and arubber valve body V_(B) covering the valve stem V_(S). An axisA_(V)-A_(V) extends through an axial center of the valve stem V_(S). Avalve cap V_(C) may be threadingly-coupled to the valve stem V_(S).

The valve V may be further defined by a neck portion V_(N) and aring-shaped head portion V_(H) protruding from a proximal end V_(B-P) ofthe rubber valve body V_(B). In an example, the neck portion V_(N) isdefined by a smaller diameter than each of the ring-shaped head portionV_(H) and the proximal end V_(B-P) of the rubber valve body V_(B);furthermore, the ring-shaped head portion V_(H) may be defined by adiameter that is greater than the proximal end V_(B-P) of the rubbervalve body V_(B).

As will be described in the following disclosure at FIGS. 1-5D, anexemplary stemming device 10 communicatively-coupled to a computingdevice 50 may define a stemming system 100 that is configured forjoining the valve V to the wheel W by: as seen in FIG. 4 ,axially-aligning the rubber valve body V_(B) of the valve V with a valvehole W_(V) that is bored through the wheel W; then, as seen in FIG. 5A,inserting the rubber valve body V_(B) of the valve V into the valve holeW_(V) and urging the rubber valve body V_(B) of the valve V through thevalve hole W_(V) and, as seen in FIGS. 5A-5B, registering the neckportion V_(N) of the valve V within the valve hole W_(V) of the wheel Wsuch that the valve V is adequately-secured to the wheel W. After thevalve V is adequately-secured to the wheel W, the valve V seals thevalve hole W_(V) from surrounding atmosphere A for maintaining pressurewithin the circumferential air cavity T_(AC) of the tire T for keepingthe tire-wheel assembly TW in an inflated state. Furthermore, a tirepressure monitor TPM may be secured to the ring-shaped head portionV_(H) of the valve V such that upon inflation of the tire-wheel assemblyTW, the tire pressure monitor TPM, which is arranged within thecircumferential air cavity T_(AC) of the tire T, may wirelesslycommunicate a sensed pressure of the circumferential air cavity T_(AC)to, for example, a receiver of a vehicle computer (not shown).

The terms “adequate” or “adequately” as applied to result of the valve Vbeing adequately-secured to the wheel W may be defined as what isdescribed above. In a first example, the terms “adequate” or“adequately” as applied to result of the valve V beingadequately-secured to the wheel W may be defined as a conditional stateof the assembly such that when the valve V is connected to the wheel W,the valve V will seal the valve hole W_(V) from surrounding atmosphere Afor maintaining pressure within the circumferential air cavity T_(AC) ofthe tire T for keeping a subsequently-assembled and inflated tire-wheelassembly TW in an inflated state). In another example, the terms“adequate” or “adequately” as applied to result of the valve V beingadequately-secured to the wheel W may be defined as a conditional stateof the assembly such that when the valve V is connected to the wheel W,the tire pressure monitor TPM, which is arranged within thecircumferential air cavity T_(AC) of the tire T, may be able towirelessly communicate a sensed pressure of the circumferential aircavity T_(AC) (that is inflated or pressurized at a pressure abovesurrounding atmosphere A) to, for example, a receiver of a vehiclecomputer (not shown). In yet another example, the terms “adequate” or“adequately” as applied to result of the valve V beingadequately-secured to the wheel W may be defined as a conditional stateof the assembly such that when the valve V is connected to the wheel W,the valve V will seal the valve hole W_(V) from surrounding atmosphereA, and the tire pressure monitor TPM, which is arranged within thecircumferential air cavity T_(AC) of the tire T, may be able towirelessly communicate a sensed pressure of the circumferential aircavity T_(AC) (that is inflated or pressurized at a pressure abovesurrounding atmosphere A) to, for example, a receiver of a vehiclecomputer (not shown).

The terms “inadequate” or “inadequately” as applied to result of thevalve V being inadequately-secured to the wheel W may be defined asfollows. In a first example, the terms “inadequate” or “inadequately” asapplied to result of the valve V being inadequately-secured to the wheelW may be defined as a conditional state of the assembly such that whenthe valve V is connected to the wheel W, the valve V will not seal thevalve hole W_(V) from surrounding atmosphere A, and, as a result, willnot maintain pressure within the circumferential air cavity T_(AC) ofthe tire T and therefore not keep a subsequently-assembled and inflatedtire-wheel assembly TW in an inflated state). In another example, theterms “inadequate” or “inadequately” as applied to result of the valve Vbeing inadequately-secured to the wheel W may be defined as aconditional state of the assembly such that when the valve V isconnected to the wheel W, the tire pressure monitor TPM, which isarranged within the circumferential air cavity T_(AC) of the tire T, maynot be able to wirelessly communicate a sensed pressure of thecircumferential air cavity T_(AC) (that is not inflated or pressurizedat a pressure above surrounding atmosphere A) to, for example, areceiver of a vehicle computer (not shown). In yet another example, theterms “inadequate” or “inadequately” as applied to result of the valve Vbeing inadequately-secured to the wheel W may be defined as aconditional state of the assembly such that when the valve V isconnected to the wheel W, the valve V will not seal the valve hole W_(V)from surrounding atmosphere A, and the tire pressure monitor TPM, whichis arranged within the circumferential air cavity T_(AC) of the tire T,may not be able to wirelessly communicate a sensed pressure of thecircumferential air cavity T_(AC) (that is not inflated or pressurizedat a pressure above surrounding atmosphere A) to, for example, areceiver of a vehicle computer (not shown).

Prior to describing embodiments of the invention, reference is made toFIGS. 10A-10D, which illustrates an exemplary tire T. In the presentdisclosure, reference may be made to the “upper,” “lower,” “left,”“right” and “side” of the tire T; although such nomenclature may beutilized to describe a particular portion or aspect of the tire T, suchnomenclature may be adopted due to the orientation of the tire T withrespect to structure that supports the tire T. Accordingly, the abovenomenclature should not be utilized to limit the scope of the claimedinvention and is utilized herein for exemplary purposes in describing anembodiment of the invention.

In an embodiment, the tire T includes an upper sidewall T_(SU) (see,e.g., FIG. 10A), a lower sidewall T_(SL) (see, e.g., FIG. 10D) and atread surface T_(T) (see, e.g., FIGS. 10B-10C), that joins the uppersidewall T_(SU) to the lower sidewall T_(SL) Referring to FIG. 10B, theupper sidewall T_(SU) may rise away from the tread surface T_(T) to apeak and subsequently descend at a slope to terminate at and form acircumferential upper bead, T_(BU); similarly, the lower sidewall T_(SL)may rise away from the tread surface T_(T) to a peak and subsequentlydescend at a slope to terminate at and form a circumferential lower beadT_(BL).

As seen in FIG. 10B, when the tire T is in a relaxed, unbiased state,the upper bead T_(BU) forms a circular, upper tire opening T_(OU);similarly, when the tire T is in a relaxed, unbiased state, the lowerbead T_(BL) forms a circular, lower tire opening, T_(OL). It will beappreciated that when an external force is applied to the tire T, thetire T may be physically manipulated, and, as a result, one or more ofthe upper tire opening T_(OU) and the lower tire opening T_(OL) may betemporality upset such that one or more of the upper tire opening T_(OU)and the lower tire opening T_(OL) is/are not entirely circular, but,may, for example, be manipulated to include an oval shape.

Referring to FIGS. 10A and 10D, when in the relaxed, unbiased state,each of the upper tire opening T_(OU) and the lower tire opening T_(OL)form, respectively, an upper tire opening diameter T_(OU-D) and a lowertire opening diameter T_(OL-D). Further, as seen in FIGS. 10A and 10D,when in the relaxed, unbiased state, the upper sidewall T_(SU) and thelower sidewall T_(SL) define the tire T to include a tire diameterT_(D).

Referring to FIGS. 10A-10B and 10D, the tire T also includes a passageT_(P). Access to the passage T_(P) is permitted by either of the uppertire opening T_(OU) and the lower tire opening T_(OL) Referring to FIG.10B, when the tire T is in a relaxed, unbiased state, the upper tireopening T_(OU) and the lower tire opening T_(OL) define the passageT_(P) to include a diameter T_(P-D). Referring also to FIG. 10B, thetire T includes a circumferential air cavity T_(AC) that is incommunication with the passage T_(P). After joining the tire T to awheel W (see, e.g., FIGS. 11A-11B, pressurized air is deposited into thecircumferential air cavity T_(AC) for inflating the tire T, therebyforming a tire-wheel assembly TW (see, e.g., FIG. 12 ).

When the tire T is arranged adjacent structure or a wheel W, asdescribed in the following disclosure, the written description mayreference a “left” portion or a “right” portion of the tire T. Referringto FIG. 10C, the tire T is shown relative to a support member S; thesupport member S is provided (and shown in phantom) in order toestablish a frame of reference for the “left” portion and the “right”portion of the tire T. In FIG. 10C, the tire T is arranged in a“non-rolling” orientation such that the tread surface T_(T) is notdisposed adjacent the phantom support member S but, rather, the lowersidewall T_(SL) is disposed adjacent the phantom support member S. Acenter dividing line DL equally divides the “non-rolling” orientation ofthe tire T in half in order to generally indicate a “left” portion ofthe tire T and a “right” portion of the tire T.

As discussed above, reference is made to several diameters T_(P-D),T_(OU-D), T_(OL-D) of the tire T. According to geometric theory, adiameter passes through the center of a circle, or, in the presentdisclosure, the axial center of the tire T, which may alternatively bereferred to as an axis of rotation of the tire T. Geometric theory alsoincludes the concept of a chord, which is a line segment that whoseendpoints both lie on the circumference of a circle; according togeometric theory, a diameter is the longest chord of a circle.

In the following description, the tire T may be moved relative tostructure; accordingly, in some instances, a chord of the tire T may bereferenced in order to describe an embodiment of the invention.Referring to FIG. 10A, several chords of the tire T are shown generallyat T_(C1), T_(C2) (i.e., the tire diameter, T_(D)) and T_(C3). The chordT_(C1) may be referred to as a “left” tire chord. The chord T_(C3) maybe referred to as a “right” tire chord. The chord T_(C2) may beequivalent to the tire diameter T_(D) and be referred to as a “central”chord. Both of the left and right tire chords T_(C1), T_(C3), include ageometry that is less than central chord T_(C2)/tire diameter T_(D).

In order to reference the location of the left chord T_(C1) and theright chord T_(C3) reference is made to a left tire tangent lineT_(TAN-L) and a right tire tangent line T_(TAN-R). The left chord T_(C1)is spaced apart approximately one-fourth (¼) of the tire diameter T_(D)from the left tire tangent line T_(TAN-L). The right chord T_(C3) isspaced apart approximately one-fourth (¼) of the tire diameter T_(D)from the right tire tangent line T_(TAN_R). Each of the left and righttire chords T_(C1), T_(C3) may be spaced apart about one-fourth (¼) ofthe tire diameter T_(D) from the central chord T_(C2). The abovespacings referenced from the tire diameter T_(D) are exemplary andshould not be meant to limit the scope of the invention to approximatelya one-fourth (¼) ratio; accordingly, other ratios may be defined, asdesired.

Further, as will be described in the following disclosure, the tire, T,may be moved relative to structure. Referring to FIG. 10C, the movementmay be referenced by an arrow U to indicate upwardly movement or anarrow D to indicate downwardly movement. Further, the movement may bereferenced by an arrow L to indicate left or rearwardly movement or anarrow R to indicate right or forwardly movement.

Prior to describing embodiments of the invention, reference is made toFIGS. 11A-11B, which illustrate an exemplary wheel W. In the presentdisclosure, reference may be made to the “upper,” “lower,” “left,”“right” and “side” of the wheel W; although such nomenclature may beutilized to describe a particular portion or aspect of the wheel W, suchnomenclature may be adopted due to the orientation of the wheel W withrespect to structure that supports the wheel W. Accordingly, the abovenomenclature should not be utilized to limit the scope of the claimedinvention and is utilized herein for exemplary purposes in describing anembodiment of the invention.

In an embodiment, the wheel W includes an upper rim surface W_(RU) alower rim surface W_(RL) and an outer circumferential surface W_(C) thatjoins the upper rim surface W_(RU) to the lower rim surface W_(RL)Referring to FIG. 11B, the upper rim surface W_(RU) forms a wheeldiameter W_(D). The wheel diameter W_(D) may be non-constant about thecircumference W_(C) from the upper rim surface W_(RU) to the lower rimsurface W_(RL) The wheel diameter W_(D) formed by the upper rim surfaceW_(RU) may be largest diameter of the non-constant diameter about thecircumference W_(C) from the upper rim surface W_(RU) to the lower rimsurface W_(RL) The wheel diameter W_(D) is approximately the same as,but slightly greater than the diameter T_(P-D) of the passage T_(P) ofthe tire T; accordingly, once the wheel W is disposed within the passageT_(P), the tire T may flex and be frictionally-secured to the wheel W asa result of the wheel diameter W_(D) being approximately the same as,but slightly greater than the diameter T_(P-D) of the passage T_(P) ofthe tire T.

The outer circumferential surface W_(C) of the wheel W further includesan upper bead seat W_(SU) and a lower bead seat W_(SL). The upper beadseat W_(SU) forms a circumferential cusp, corner or recess that islocated proximate the upper rim surface W_(RU) The lower bead seatW_(SL) forms a circumferential cusp, corner or recess that is locatedproximate the lower rim surface W_(RL). Upon inflating the tire T thepressurized air causes the upper bead T_(BU) to be disposed adjacent and“seat” in the upper bead seat W_(SU); similarly, upon inflating the tireT, the pressurized air causes the lower bead T_(BL) to be disposedadjacent and “seat” in the lower bead seat W_(SL).

The non-constant diameter of the outer circumference W_(C) of the wheelW further forms a wheel “drop center” W_(DC). A wheel drop center W_(DC)may include the smallest diameter of the non-constant diameter of theouter circumference W_(C) of the wheel W. Functionally, the wheel dropcenter W_(DC) may assist in the mounting of the tire T to the wheel W.

The non-constant diameter of the outer circumference W_(C) of the wheelW further forms an upper “safety bead” W_(SB) In an embodiment, theupper safety bead W_(SB) may be located proximate the upper bead seatW_(SU). In the event that pressurized air in the circumferential aircavity T_(AC) of the tire T escapes to atmosphere the upper bead T_(BU)may “unseat” from the upper bead seat W_(SU); because of the proximityof the safety bead W_(SB) the safety bead W_(SB) may assist in themitigation of the “unseating” of the upper bead T_(BU) from the upperbead seat W_(SU) by assisting in the retaining of the upper bead T_(BU)in a substantially seated orientation relative to the upper bead seatW_(SU). In some embodiments the wheel W may include a lower safety bead;however, upper and/or lower safety beads may be included with the wheelW, as desired, and are not required in order to practice the inventiondescribed in the following disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 1 , an exemplary stemming device is shown generally at10. The stemming device 10 is communicatively-coupled to a computingdevice 50 for defining a stemming system 100. As seen in FIGS. 2-3 , thestemming system 100 may define a portion of an exemplary wheelprocessing system 200 that prepares (e.g., performs the steps ofstemming, soaping/lubricating and the like) a wheel W prior to joining atire T to the wheel W for forming a tire-wheel assembly TW.

With reference to FIG. 13 , the computing device 50 may be, for example,a digital computer including data processing hardware (see, e.g.,processor 1110) and memory hardware (see, e.g., memory 1120) incommunication with the data processing hardware. Furthermore, the dataprocessing hardware may include a receiver for receiving signals and atransmitter for sending signals. The digital computer may include, butis not limited to: one or more electronic digital processors or centralprocessing units (CPUs) in communication with one or more storageresources (e.g., memory, flash memory, dynamic random access memory(DRAM), phase change memory (PCM), and/or disk drives having spindles)).The computing device 50 may be communicatively-coupled (e.g., wirelesslyor hardwired by, for example, one or more communication conduits) to,for example, a characteristic signature database including one or moreforce rate signals indicative of an adequate installation of one or moretypes of valves V and tire pressure monitors TPM to one or more types ofwheels W.

As seen in FIG. 1 , the stemming device 10 includes a base portion 12and a valve-engaging portion 14. As will be described in the followingdisclosure, the valve-engaging portion 14 includes a force transducer 16(e.g., a load cell) that obtains a measurement M/M′ (e.g., an appliedaxial force over time throughout a process of joining the valve V to thewheel W as seen in FIGS. 5C and 6C) imparted by the valve-engagingportion 14 to the wheel W by way of the valve V and the tire pressuremonitor TPM. The measurement M/M′ is recorded by the computing device50. Furthermore, the computing device 50 may include an algorithm thatanalyzes a data signature associated with the measurement M/M′ todetermine if the valve V was adequately or inadequately installed by thestemming device 10.

Although the stemming device 10 is described above to include a forcetransducer 16 that obtains a measurement M/M′ imparted by thevalve-engaging portion 14 to the wheel W by way of the valve V and thetire pressure monitor TPM, the stemming device 10 may include other oradditional data-obtaining components. In an example, the stemming device10 may also include a displacement (travel) transducer that providesadditional information for greater defect discrimination possibilities.

The stemming device 10 may optionally include a carrier portion 18connected to the base portion 12. The stemming device 10 may furtheroptionally include a wheel-engaging portion 20 connected to the baseportion 12.

In an example, the carrier portion 18 may define an end effector or adistal end of a robotic device R (see e.g., FIG. 2 ) having a roboticarm RA for performing steps associated with an automatic installation ofthe valve V on the wheel W. In other examples, the carrier portion 18may be represented by a bar or flange that may be held in the hand of auser for manual installation of the valve V on the wheel W. Regardlessof a desired implementation or design of the carrier portion 18, thecarrier portion 18 may include structure that permits movement (e.g.,hinged movement, sliding movement and/or rotational movement) of thecarrier portion 18 relative the base portion 12.

In an example, the wheel-engaging portion 20 may define a wheel clampingportion for securing the stemming device 10 to the wheel W prior tojoining the valve V to the wheel W. The wheel-engaging portion 20 mayinclude structure that permits movement (e.g., sliding movement) of thewheel-engaging portion 20 relative the base portion 12.

In addition to the force transducer 16, the valve-engaging portion 14also includes an arm portion 22, a support portion 24 and a securingportion 26. The arm portion 22 may be rotatably-connected to the baseportion 12. The support portion 24 may be rotatably-connected to the armportion 22.

The support portion 24 is generally defined by a first surface 241 and asecond surface 242. The first surface 241 directly supports the forcetransducer 16 and is substantially orthogonal to an installation axisA₁₀-A₁₀ of the stemming device 10. Furthermore, the installation axisA₁₀-A₁₀ of the stemming device 10 is axially aligned with the axisA_(V)-A_(V) extending through the axial center of the valve stem V_(S).Yet even further, the force transducer 16 may be said to be uniaxial orco-linear with the axis A_(V)-A_(V) extending through the axial centerof the valve stem V_(S).

The second surface 242 is substantially perpendicular to the firstsurface 241 and is configured to support or is arranged at leastproximate a side surface of one or more of the force transducer 16, thesecuring portion 26 and the tire pressure monitor TPM connected to thevalve V. Furthermore, as seen in FIG. 1 , the second surface 242 issubstantially parallel to the installation axis A₁₀-A₁₀ of the stemmingdevice 10.

The securing portion 26 may be disposed upon an upper surface 16 _(U) ofthe force transducer 16 and is arranged opposite the first surface 241of the support portion 24. The securing portion 26 may includeattachment structure (not shown) for removably securing the tirepressure monitor TPM and the valve V to the valve-engaging portion ofthe stemming device 10.

Referring now to FIG. 2 , an exemplary wheel processing system includingthe exemplary stemming device 10 communicatively-coupled to thecomputing device 50 is shown generally at 200. The wheel processingsystem 200 includes a conveyor 202 for moving a plurality of wheels Wpast a robotic device R. The computing device 50 may include memory anda processor for controlling movement of one or more of the roboticdevice R and the conveyor 202. The wheel processing system 200 installsa valve V including a tire pressure monitor TPM in the valve hole W_(V)of each wheel W as the conveyor 202 moves each wheel W across therobotic device R from an upstream end 202 _(U) of the conveyor 202 to adownstream end 202 _(D) of the conveyor 202.

In some instances, during movement of each wheel W from the upstream end202 _(U) of the conveyor 202 to the downstream end 202 _(D) of theconveyor 202, each wheel W may pass through an optional identificationstation 204. The identification station 204 may include a camera 206 foridentifying each wheel W from a plurality of differently configuredwheels. When a wheel W moves within the visual range of the camera 206,the camera 206 communicates an image of the wheel W to a controller thatmay be associated with, for example, the computing device 50. The imagemay include structural features of the wheel W including, for example, alocation of the valve hole W_(V) of the wheel W. In an example, thecontroller associated with the computing device 50 compares the imagereceived from the camera 206 with a plurality of images stored inmemory. The images in memory may correspond to any number of differentlyconfigured wheels W that may pass through the identification station204. Each of the images stored in memory is associated with structuralcharacteristics and physical dimensions of a corresponding wheel W. Thecontroller associated with the computing device 50 may controlprocessing steps performed by the robotic device R such as, for example,axially aligning (see, e.g., FIG. 4 ) the installation axis A₁₀-A₁₀ ofthe stemming device 10 with an axial center of the valve hole W_(V) ofthe wheel W such that the axis A_(V)-A_(V) extending through the axialcenter of the valve stem V_(S) is also axially aligned with the axialcenter of the valve hole W_(V) of the wheel W.

In some examples, the wheel processing system 200 may include apositioning device 208 disposed along the conveyor 202. The positioningdevice 208 may be located proximate the robotic device R for assistingin locating the wheel W in an optimal position in order to, for example,axially align the installation axis A₁₀-A₁₀ of the stemming device 10with an axial center of the valve hole W_(V) of the wheel W.

After the wheel W is positioned by the positioning device 208, therobotic device R may arrange the stemming device 10 proximate a valvebin 210 such that the securing portion 26 of the stemming device 10 maysecure a valve V from the valve bin 210 to the stemming device 10.Thereafter, as seen in FIG. 4 , the robotic device R positions thestemming device 10 relative the wheel W such that the installation axisA₁₀-A₁₀ (and, correspondingly, the axis A_(V)-A_(V) extending throughthe axial center of the valve stem V_(S)) of the stemming device 10 isaligned with the axial center of the valve hole W_(V) of the wheel W.

Referring to FIG. 3 , the positioning device 208 may include a firstpositioning mechanism 208 a and a second positioning mechanism 208 b.Each of the first positioning mechanism 208 a and the second positioningmechanism 208 b includes a housing 212 defining apertures 214 forreceiving guide tracks (not shown) of the conveyor 202. Once the wheel Wis positioned by the positioning device 208 relative the conveyor 202, awheel-engaging portion 216 may secure the wheel W relative the conveyor202.

Installation of the valve V and the tire pressure monitor TPM upon thewheel W is generally represented at FIGS. 5A-5B and FIGS. 6A-6B. Theinstallation represented at FIGS. 5A-5B is generally defined by thevalve V and tire pressure monitor TPM being adequately installed uponthe wheel W; conversely, the installation represented at FIGS. 6A-6B isgenerally defined by the valve V and tire pressure monitor TPM beinginadequately installed upon the wheel W.

The measurement M represented at FIG. 5C is associated with the adequateinstallation of the valve V and the tire pressure monitor TPM upon thewheel W at FIGS. 5A-5B. The measurement M′ represented at FIG. 6C isassociated with the inadequate installation of the valve V and the tirepressure monitor TPM upon the wheel W at FIGS. 6A-6B.

With reference to FIG. 4 , after the robotic device R positions thestemming device 10 relative the wheel W such that the installation axisA₁₀-A₁₀ (and, correspondingly, the axis A_(V)-A_(V) extending throughthe axial center of the valve stem V_(S)) of the stemming device 10 isaligned with the axial center of the valve hole W_(V) of the wheel W,the computing device 50 may cause the robotic device R to move thestemming device 10, and, correspondingly, the valve V and tire pressuremonitor TPM toward the wheel W. As seen, respectively, in FIGS. 5A and6A, the robotic device R may urge the stemming device 10 with sufficientforce for causing the rubber valve body V_(B) covering the stem V_(S)through the valve hole W_(V) of the wheel W. Adequate installation ofthe valve V and tire pressure monitor TPM relative the wheel W may bedefined by, for example, registering the neck portion V_(N) of the valveV within the valve hole W_(V) of the wheel W (as seen in, for example,FIG. 5B). If, as seen in FIG. 6B, the neck portion V_(N) of the valve Vis not registered within the valve hole W_(V) of the wheel W, the valveV and tire pressure monitor TPM may be said to be inadequately installedrelative to the wheel W. An inadequate installation may be alternativelyreferred to as “an insertion fault” resulting from, for example, therubber valve body V_(B) of the valve V not including lubricant,misalignment or wear-out conditions associated with the stemming device10, which may undesirably cause the rubber valve body V_(B) of the valveV to not fully and cleanly pass through the valve hole W_(V) of thewheel W as seen in FIG. 6B.

The adequate installation as seen in FIG. 5B may be graphicallyrepresented according to the measurement M seen at FIG. 5C. Theinadequate installation as seen in FIG. 6B may be graphicallyrepresented according to the measurement M′ seen at FIG. 6C. The data ofthe measurements M, M′ may be generated by the force transducer 16 ofthe valve-engaging portion 14 of the stemming device 10. As seen inFIGS. 4, 5A-5B and 6A-6B, the force transducer 16 may becommunicatively-coupled (e.g., wirelessly or hardwired) to the computingdevice 50. In some instances, the data of the measurements M, M′ may begraphically displayed on a screen or monitor of the computing device 50.

In an example, the force transducer 16 generates the measurements M, M′as a result of an applied axial force along the installation axisA₁₀-A₁₀ of the stemming device 10 throughout the act of inserting therubber valve body V_(B) of the valve V through the valve hole W_(V) ofthe wheel W. Furthermore, the computing device 50 may record the forcesignal associated with the measurements M, M′ throughout the act ofinserting the rubber valve body V_(B) of the valve V through the valvehole W_(V) of the wheel W. Yet even further, the computing device 50 mayinclude an algorithm that analyzes the data signature associated withthe recorded force signal associated with the measurements M, M′ todetermine if the valve V and tire pressure monitor TPM was adequately orinadequately installed relative the wheel W. In some instances, theforce signal associated with the measurements M, M′ is collecteddigitally by the computing device 50 at a rate of 100 Hz or greater.

As described above, the computing device 50 may becommunicatively-coupled (e.g., wirelessly or hardwired by, for example,one or more communication conduits) to, for example, a characteristicsignature database including one or more force rate signals indicativeof an adequate installation of one or more types of valves V and tirepressure monitors TPM to one or more types of wheels W. In someinstance, the characteristic signature database including one or moreforce rate signals may be alternatively called “virtual force ratesignal” that are created by numerically estimating a time derivative ofthe force imparted by the stemming device 10 over time. In an example, aforce rate signature stored in the characteristic database may besubstantially similar to the data associated with the force signalmeasurement seen at FIG. 5C. Therefore, upon the computing device 50receiving the measurement M, and, after comparing the measurement M tothe force rate signature and determining that the measurement M issubstantially similar to the force rate signature, the computing device50 may electronically determine that the valve V and tire pressuremonitor TPM has been adequately installed upon the wheel W. Conversely,upon the computing device 50 receiving the measurement M′, and, aftercomparing the measurement M′ to the force rate signature and determiningthat that measurement M′ is not substantially similar to the force ratesignature, the computing device 50 may electronically determine that thevalve V and tire pressure monitor TPM has been inadequately installedupon the wheel W. Depending on the adequate or inadequate installationdetermination, the computing device 50 may operate the conveyor 202 in amanner for segregating (i.e., rejecting) inadequately installed valves Vand tire pressure monitors TPM from adequately installed valves V andtire pressure monitors TPM.

FIG. 5C depicts a graph of what a successful installation might looklike. In FIG. 5C, the first derivative of the force signal is plottedagainst sample count. In a successful marrying of the valve stem V_(S)to the valve stem opening W_(V) in the wheel W, certain characteristicsshould be present. For example, once the insertion process begins inearnest, the initial signal should show a steep negative slopeculminating at a negative peak 5C′ immediately followed by a steeppositive slope culminating at a positive peak 5C″. This characteristicsignature is not evident in a faulty installation (see, e.g., FIG. 6Cthat depicts a faulty installation). In the faulty installationdepiction of FIG. 6C, although there is an initial negative slopeculminating at a negative peak (see, e.g., the negative spike 6C′), themagnitude of the initial negative spike 6C′ is merely ⅓ of the magnitudeof the initial negative spike 5C′ depicted in FIG. 5C. An additionalconfirmation that the installation is faulty is that a spike 6C″, whichimmediately follows initial negative spike 6C′, has very little, if anypositive amplitude. This is in contrast to the amplitude of thepositively-going spike 5C″ in the successful installation which has amagnitude of approximately 1½ units above the X-axis (i.e., the X-axisfunctions as the zero amplitude reference in this graph). Of course, theabsolute amplitude of the various peaks mentioned above relating to thefirst derivative force signal of the successful installation as well asthe absolute amplitude of the first derivative force signal of a faultyinstallation are not nearly as important as the relative peak amplitudesbetween the successful installation and the faulty installation. Also,the signatures generated from a first derivative of a force signalduring installation can be compared to a “gold standard signaturedatabase” that is created using one or more signatures generated frominstallations that are known to be acceptable. Any number of statisticaltechniques can be used to generate a database of “gold standard”signatures, which can then be quickly and easily compared to thesignatures generated during production use of the valve stemming device10. Although it may be most cost efficient to use a force sensor as theprimary means of measuring the parameters generated during theinstallation and thereafter mathematically manipulating the force signalto generate the first derivative of the force signal (as shown in FIGS.5C and 6C), there is nothing prohibiting the use of a sensor thatmeasures (directly) the first derivative of the install force. Thistechnique might be beneficial in installations where time efficiency iscritical inasmuch as the use of a force derivative sensor would not havethe inherent time delay associated with collecting a force signal,storing it, and mathematically converting it into data that is arepresentative of its first derivative.

Referring to FIGS. 5D and 6D, an exemplary computing device 50 includesone or more of a display screen 52, a speaker 54 or the like that may beutilized for ascertaining the performance of the stemming device 10. Aprogram is executed by the processor of the computing device 50 that isconfigured to display on the display screen 52 a graphical userinterface (GUI). The performance of the stemming device 10 includes adetermination that the valve V including the tire pressure monitor TPMhas been adequately secured to the wheel W (as seen at FIG. 5B) or adetermination that the valve V including the tire pressure monitor TPMhas not been adequately secured to the wheel W (as seen at FIG. 6B). Theadequate or inadequate securing of the valve V including the tirepressure monitor TPM to the wheel W may be determined: (1)automatically, e.g., by the computing device 50; (2) manually by a userU, technician or installation agent; or (3) a combination thereof. Theuser U, technician or installation agent may view or selectivelyinteract with the GUI displayed on the display screen 52 in view of theascertained performance of the stemming device 10.

In an example, the performance of the stemming device 10 may be basedupon a force signal pattern recognition routine that may be defined byinstructions stored in memory that are executed by a processor. In anexample, the memory and the processor may be components of the computingdevice 50. However, in other instances, one or both of the memory andthe processor may be associated with a different or remote computingdevice (not shown) that is connected wirelessly or in a hard-wiredfashion to the computing device 50.

In an example, the force signal pattern recognition routine may be basedupon a statistical technique whereby a database (that may be, e.g.,stored in the memory of the computing device 50) of a plurality of “goldstandard” force signal signatures is utilized for the purpose ofpermitting the user U, technician or installation agent to quickly andeasily determine the performance of the stemming device 10. As seen atFIGS. 5D and 6D, the exemplary statistical technique employed by thecomputing device 50 is three standard deviations (see, e.g., 1σ, 2σ, 3σ)of the mean of a plurality of force signals stored in the database thatwere previously generated by the stemming device 10 when the valve Vincluding the tire pressure monitor TPM has been adequately secured tothe wheel W. As seen at both of FIGS. 5D and 6D, each of the firststandard deviation 1σ, the second standard deviation 2σ and the thirdstandard deviation 3σ are substantially similar to a “gold standard”force signal signature that may include, for example, the steep negativeslope culminating at a negative peak 5C′ immediately followed by thesteep positive slope culminating at the positive peak 5C″ as seen atFIG. 5C.

At FIGS. 5D and 6D in a first example, the computing device 50 may beutilized to automatically determine the performance of the stemmingdevice 10. In some instances, as a result of the processor executing theinstructions stored in the memory, the computing device 50 mayautomatically provide a stemming adequacy indicator or alert 56/56′regarding the performance of the stemming device 10. The stemmingadequacy indication or alert 56/56′ provided by the computing device 50may be visual (e.g., the stemming adequacy indictor or alert 56/56′ isdisplayed on the display screen 52), audible (e.g., the stemmingadequacy indictor or alert 56/56′ is provided by the speaker 54) or acombination thereof.

A methodology for automatically determining performance of the stemmingdevice 10 may include the following steps or instructions executed bythe processor. Firstly, the stemming device 10 may communicate or sendto the processor the detected force signal associated with the valve Vincluding the tire pressure monitor TPM being secured to the wheel W.The processor compares the force signal against a plurality of “goldstandard” force signal signatures stored in the database. In an example,the comparison may include computationally or graphically comparing theforce signal against three standard deviations (see, e.g., 1σ, 2σ, 3σ)of the mean of the plurality of force signals stored in the databasethat were previously generated by the stemming device 10 when the valveV including the tire pressure monitor TPM has been adequately secured tothe wheel W. The comparing step may further include determining if theforce signal pattern substantially fits within or is classified into oneof the first standard deviation 1σ, the second standard deviation 2σ orthe third standard deviation 3σ of the three standard deviations 1σ, 2σ,3σ of the mean of a plurality of force signals stored in the database.

In an example, in order to arrive at an “adequately stemmed”determination, the force signal pattern may have to substantially fitwithin or be classified into the first standard deviation 1σ but not thesecond standard deviation 2σ or the third standard deviation 3σ of thethree standard deviations 1σ, 2σ, 3σ of the mean of a plurality of forcesignals stored in the database. In another example, in order to arriveat an “adequately stemmed” determination, the force signal pattern mayhave to substantially fit within or be classified into one of the firststandard deviation 1σ and the second standard deviation 2σ but not thethird standard deviation 3σ of the three standard deviations 1σ, 2σ, 3σof the mean of a plurality of force signals stored in the database. Inyet another example, in order to arrive at an “adequately stemmed”determination, the force signal pattern may not extend beyond (i.e.,does not substantially fit within or be classified into) the thirdstandard deviation 3σ of the three standard deviations 1σ, 2σ, 3σ of themean of a plurality of force signals stored in the database.

As seen at FIG. 5D, if the result of the comparing step is adetermination that the force signal pattern substantially fits within oris classified into one or more of the first standard deviation 1σ, thesecond standard deviation 2σ or the third standard deviation 3σ of thethree standard deviations 1σ, 2σ, 3σ of the mean of a plurality of forcesignals stored in the database, the GUI displayed on the display screen52 automatically displays a positive stemming adequacy indicator 56 suchas, for example, a symbol 58 such as a check mark. Additionally oralternatively, the positive stemming adequacy indicator 56 displayed onthe GUI of the display screen 52 may include text 60 (e.g., “ValveInstallation Successful”). If the positive stemming adequacy indicator56 also (or, alternatively) includes audio 62, the audio 62 may includean automatic actuation of the speaker 54 providing a pleasant sound suchas a chime and/or a synthesized voice announcing, for example, what isdisplayed by the text 60 associated with the positive stemming adequacyindicator 56 (e.g., the synthesized voice may announce: “valveinstallation successful” audio 62). In yet another example, afterautomatically determining the adequate performance of the stemmingdevice 10, the processor may send a signal to a motor driving theconveyor 202 in order to advance the adequately stemmed wheel W furtherdownstream the conveyor 202 in a direction according to arrow D1 forfurther processing (e.g., soaping/lubricating the wheel W prior tojoining an uninflated tire T to the wheel W for forming an uninflatedtire-wheel assembly TW).

Therefore, in an example, without any manual intervention (i.e.,“automatically”), the user U, technician or installation agent may beable to see on the GUI displayed by the display screen 52 and/or hearfrom the speaker 54 the positive stemming adequacy indicator 56 in orderto quickly and easily determine the adequate performance of the stemmingdevice 10 while, optionally, the stemming device 10 will communicatewith the conveyor 202 for automatically sorting (e.g., according to thedirection of the arrow D1) an adequately stemmed wheel W (see, e.g.,FIG. 5B) from an inadequately stemmed wheel W (see, e.g., FIG. 6B).Furthermore, in some instances, the positive stemming adequacy indicator56 may further include a graphical representation 64 of the force signalthat is graphed with the applied statistical technique (e.g., the threestandard deviations 1σ, 2σ, 3σ) displayed on the GUI of the displayscreen 52 in order to unambiguously indicate to the user U, technicianor installation agent the basis of the adequate result provided by theprocessor being one or more of the symbol 58, the text 60 and the audio62. The graphical representation 64 may be provided alone or incombination with one or more of the symbol 58, the text 60 and the audio62.

As seen at FIG. 6D, if the result of the comparing step is adetermination that the force signal pattern does not fit within or isclassified into one of the first standard deviation 1σ, the secondstandard deviation 2σ or the third standard deviation 3σ of the threestandard deviations 1σ, 2σ, 3σ of the mean of a plurality of forcesignals stored in the database, the GUI displayed on the display screen52 automatically displays a negative stemming adequacy indicator 56′such as, for example, a symbol 58′ such as the letter X. Additionally oralternatively, the negative stemming adequacy indicator 56′ displayed onthe GUI of the display screen 52 may include text 60′ (e.g., “ValveInstallation Unsuccessful”). If the negative stemming adequacy indicator56′ also (or, alternatively) includes audio 62′, the audio 62′ mayinclude an automatic actuation of the speaker 54 providing an unpleasantsound such as a buzz and/or a synthesized voice announcing, for example,what is displayed by the text 60′ associated with the negative stemmingadequacy indicator 56′ (e.g., the synthesized voice may announce: “valveinstallation unsuccessful” audio 62′). In yet another example, afterautomatically determining the inadequate performance of the stemmingdevice 10, the processor may send a signal to a conveyor controller 218(see, e.g., FIG. 2 ) communicatively-coupled to a conveyor switch 220(see, e.g., FIG. 2 ) in order to advance the inadequately stemmed wheelW from the first direction D1 along the conveyor 202 toward thedownstream end 202 _(D) of the conveyor 202 to a second direction D2along a rejection conveyor 202′ (see, e.g., FIG. 2 ) to a reject station222 for inspection and/or subsequent re-stemming due to the fact thatthe inadequately stemmed wheel W is not suitable for further movementtoward the downstream end 202 _(D) of the conveyor 202 for furtherprocessing (e.g., soaping/lubricating the wheel W prior to joining anuninflated tire T to the wheel W for forming an uninflated tire-wheelassembly TW).

Therefore, in an example, without any manual intervention (i.e.,“automatically”), the user U, technician or installation agent may beable to see on the GUI displayed by the display screen 52 and/or hearfrom the speaker 54 the negative stemming adequacy indicator 56′ inorder to quickly and easily determine the inadequate performance of thestemming device 10 while, optionally, the computing device 50 willcommunicate with the conveyor controller 218 that operates one or moreof the conveyor 202, the conveyor switch 220 and the rejection conveyor202′ for automatically guiding the inadequately stemmed wheel W from thefirst direction D1 along the conveyor 202 to the second direction D2along the rejection conveyor 202′ in order to segregate (i.e., reject)the inadequately stemmed wheel W (see, e.g., FIG. 6B) from one or moreadequately stemmed wheels W (see, e.g., FIG. 5B). Furthermore, in someinstances, the negative stemming adequacy indicator 56′ may furtherinclude a graphical representation 64′ of the force signal that isgraphed with the applied statistical technique (e.g., the three standarddeviations 1σ, 2σ, 3σ) displayed on the GUI of the display screen 52 inorder to unambiguously indicate to the user U, technician orinstallation agent the basis of the inadequate result provided by theprocessor being one or more of the symbol 58′, the text 60′ and theaudio 62′. The graphical representation 64′ may be provided alone or incombination with one or more of the symbol 58′, the text 60′ and theaudio 62′.

In another implementation, the user U, technician or installation agentmay interpret one or more stemming adequacy indicators 56/56′represented on the GUI that is displayed by the display screen 52 and/orannounced by the speaker 54 of the computing device 50 in order tomanually determine the performance of the stemming device 10.Furthermore, as will be described in the following disclosure, in viewof how user U, technician or installation agent manually determines theperformance of the stemming device 10 in view of the one or morestemming adequacy indicators 56/56′ represented on the GUI that isdisplayed by the display screen 52, the user U, technician orinstallation agent may elect to manually intervene, manually interruptor manually take control over the operation of the conveyor 202 (e.g.,by providing an input to the conveyor controller 218 by way of, forexample, physically depressing a button 224 communicatively-coupled tothe conveyor controller 218 or by manipulating a computer mouse (notshown) by hovering cursor C over a graphically-displayed user inputbutton 66 of the GUI that is displayed on the display screen 52 andclicking a button 224 of the computer mouse for graphically selecting orgraphically-pressing the graphically-displayed user input button) inorder manually segregate one or more inadequately stemmed wheels W fromone or more adequately stemmed wheels W. Accordingly, in an example, theconveyor 202 may be permitted to advance one or a plurality ofadequately and/or inadequately stemmed wheels W in the direction ofarrow D1 along the conveyor 202 until the user U, technician orinstallation agent elects to, for example, physically depress the button224 or click on the a graphically-displayed user input button 66 of theGUI that is displayed on the display screen 52.

With reference to FIGS. 5D and 6D, in an example, the GUI displayed bythe display screen 52 may display the graphical representation 64/64′ ofthe force signal graphed with the applied statistical technique (e.g.,the three standard deviations 1σ, 2σ, 3σ) as described above in order tounambiguously indicate to the user U, technician or installation agent avisual comparison of the detected force signal in view of a “goldstandard” based upon a plurality of force signal signatures. The GUIprovided by the display screen 52 may display the graphicalrepresentation 64/64′ alone or in combination with one or more of thesymbol 58/58′, the text 60/60′ and the audio 62/62′. However, in someinstances, the GUI provided by the display screen 52 may not include oneor more of the symbol 58/58′, the text 60/60′ and the audio 62/62′ withthe graphical representation 64/64′ of the force signal graphed with theapplied statistical technique, and, as such, the determination of theperformance of the stemming device 10 is subject to how the user U,technician or installation agent reads or interprets the graphicalrepresentation 64/64′ of the force signal graphed with the appliedstatistical technique.

If, for example, the user U, technician or installation agent'sinterpretation of the graphical representation 64/64′ of the forcesignal graphed with the applied statistical technique that is providedby the GUI 52 displayed by the display screen 52 represents anindication that the stemming device 10 has inadequately stemmed thewheel W, the user U, technician or installation agent may elect tomanually intervene or manually operate the conveyor 202 such that theconveyor 202 is not permitted to further transport the inadequatelystemmed wheel W (see, e.g., FIG. 6B) in the first direction D1 along theconveyor 202 in order to prevent subsequent processing of theinadequately stemmed wheel W (e.g., soaping/lubricating the wheel Wprior to joining an uninflated tire T to the wheel W for forming anuninflated tire-wheel assembly TW). In such a circumstance, the user U,technician or installation agent may manually depress the button 224 orclick on/select the a graphically-displayed user input button 66 of theGUI that is displayed on the display screen 52 in order to manuallyintervene or manually assert control over the operation of the conveyor202.

In an example, by depressing the button 224 or by clicking on/selectingthe a graphically-displayed user input button 66 of the GUI that isdisplayed on the display screen 52, a user-initiated command or signalis provided to the conveyor controller 218 that will result in ceasingfurther transportation of the inadequately stemmed wheel W (see, e.g.,FIG. 6B) in the first direction D1 upon the conveyor 202. In anotherexample, by depressing the button 224 or by clicking on/selecting the agraphically-displayed user input button 66 of the GUI that is displayedon the display screen 52, a user-initiated command or signal is providedto the conveyor controller 218 that will result in sending an actuationsignal to the conveyor switch 220 in order to advance the inadequatelystemmed wheel W from the first direction D1 along the conveyor 202toward the downstream end 202 _(D) of the conveyor 202 to the seconddirection D2 along the rejection conveyor 202′ to the reject station 222for inspection and/or subsequent re-stemming due to the fact that theinadequately stemmed wheel W is not suitable for further movement towardthe downstream end 202 _(D) of the conveyor 202 for further processing(e.g., soaping/lubricating the wheel W prior to joining an uninflatedtire T to the wheel W for forming an uninflated tire-wheel assembly TW).

Referring to FIG. 7 , an exemplary stemming device is shown generally at10′. The stemming device 10′ is communicatively-coupled to a computingdevice 50 and may define a stemming system 100′ that is configured forjoining the valve V to the wheel W (see, e.g., FIGS. 8A-8F) by: (assimilarly described above and as similarly seen in FIG. 4 )axially-aligning the rubber valve body V_(B) of the valve V with a valvehole W_(V) that is bored through the wheel W; then, (as similarlydescribed above and as similarly seen in FIG. 5A), inserting the rubbervalve body V_(B) of the valve V into the valve hole W_(V) and urging therubber valve body V_(B) of the valve V through the valve hole W_(V) and(as similarly described above and as similarly seen in FIGS. 5A-5B),registering the neck portion V_(N) of the valve V within the valve holeW_(V) of the wheel W such that the valve V is adequately-secured to thewheel W. After the valve V is adequately-secured to the wheel W, thevalve V seals the valve hole W_(V) from surrounding atmosphere A formaintaining pressure within the circumferential air cavity T_(AC) of thetire T for keeping the tire-wheel assembly TW in an inflated state.Furthermore, a tire pressure monitor TPM may be secured to thering-shaped head portion V_(H) of the valve V such that upon inflationof the tire-wheel assembly TW, the tire pressure monitor TPM, which isarranged within the circumferential air cavity T_(AC) of the tire T, maywirelessly communicate a sensed pressure of the circumferential aircavity T_(AC) to, for example, a receiver of a vehicle computer (notshown).

The stemming system 100′ operates in a substantially similar manner asdescribed above at FIGS. 5C-5D and 6C-6D with respect to the “adequate”or “inadequate” installation of the valve V with the wheel W. Therefore,an accompanying discussion of an “adequate” or “inadequate” installationof the valve V with wheel W as applied to the stemming system 100′ isnot discussed here.

Unlike the stemming device 10 of FIG. 1 , the stemming device 10′ doesnot include a carrier portion (see, e.g., carrier portion 18) that isconnected to or defines an end effector or a distal end of a roboticdevice R (see e.g., FIG. 2 ) having a robotic arm RA for performingsteps associated with an automatic installation of the valve V on thewheel W. As seen at FIG. 7 , the stemming device 10′ includes a baseportion 12′ and a valve-engaging portion 14′. As will be described inthe following disclosure, the valve-engaging portion 14′ includes aforce transducer 16′ (e.g., a load cell) that obtains a measurement M/M′(e.g., an applied axial force over time throughout a process of joiningthe valve V to the wheel W as seen in FIGS. 5C and 6C) imparted by thevalve-engaging portion 14′ to the wheel W by way of the valve V and thetire pressure monitor TPM. The measurement M/M′ is recorded by thecomputing device 50. Furthermore, the computing device 50 may include analgorithm that analyzes a data signature associated with the measurementM/M′ to determine if the valve V was adequately or inadequatelyinstalled by the stemming device 10′.

Although the stemming device 10′ is described above to include a forcetransducer 16′ that obtains a measurement M/M′ imparted by thevalve-engaging portion 14′ to the wheel W by way of the valve V and thetire pressure monitor TPM, the stemming device 10′ may include other oradditional data-obtaining components. In an example, the stemming device10′ may also include a displacement (travel) transducer that providesadditional information for greater defect discrimination possibilities.

The stemming device 10′ may further optionally include a wheel-engagingportion 20′ connected to the base portion 12′. In an example, thewheel-engaging portion 20′ may define a wheel clamping portion forsecuring the stemming device 10′ to the wheel W prior to joining thevalve V to the wheel W. The wheel-engaging portion 20′ may includestructure that permits movement (e.g., sliding movement) of thewheel-engaging portion 20′ relative the base portion 12′.

In addition to the force transducer 16′, the valve-engaging portion 14′also includes an arm portion 22′, a support portion 24′ and a securingportion 26′. The arm portion 22′ may be connected to the base portion12′. The support portion 24′ may be connected to the arm portion 22′.

The support portion 24′ is generally defined by a first surface 241′ anda second surface 242′. The first surface 241′ directly supports theforce transducer 16′ and is substantially orthogonal to an installationaxis A₁₀-A₁₀ of the stemming device 10′. Furthermore, the installationaxis A₁₀-A₁₀ of the stemming device 10′ is axially aligned with the axisA_(V)-A_(V) extending through the axial center of the valve stem V_(S).Yet even further, the force transducer 16′ may be said to be uniaxial orco-linear with the axis A_(V)-A_(V) extending through the axial centerof the valve stem V_(S).

The second surface 242′ is substantially perpendicular to the firstsurface 241′ and is configured to support or is arranged at leastproximate a side surface of one or more of the force transducer 16′, thesecuring portion 26′ and the tire pressure monitor TPM connected to thevalve V. Furthermore, as seen in FIG. 7 , the second surface 242′ issubstantially parallel to the installation axis A₁₀-A₁₀ of the stemmingdevice 10′.

The securing portion 26′ may be disposed upon an upper surface of theforce transducer 16′ and is arranged opposite the first surface 241′ ofthe support portion 24′. The securing portion 26′ may include attachmentstructure (not shown) for removably securing the tire pressure monitorTPM and the valve V to the valve-engaging portion of the stemming device10′.

In addition to the force transducer 16′, the valve-engaging portion 14′also includes a plurality of linear servos 28′-32′. The plurality oflinear servos 28′-32′ includes: a first linear servo 28′, a secondlinear servo 30′ and a third linear servo 32′. As will be described inthe following disclosure at FIGS. 8A-8F, the plurality of linear servos28′-32′ provide an alternative to a robotic arm RA (see, e.g., FIG. 3 )for performing steps associated with an automatic installation of thevalve V on the wheel W.

Referring to FIGS. 8A-8F, the base portion 12′ of the stemming device10′ is disposed upon, for example, a support surface 226′ that definespart of a conveyor, or, alternatively, is separate from and arrangedproximate a conveyor. The conveyor may be substantially similar to theconveyor 202 of FIGS. 2-3 . Accordingly, the conveyor 202 is configuredfor moving a plurality of wheels W past the stemming device 10′.

As seen at FIG. 8A, the stemming device 10′ may be initially arranged ina retracted or stowed orientation with a valve V secured to thevalve-engaging portion 14′. Referring to FIGS. 8A-8B, once the conveyor202 arranges a wheel W proximate or in alignment with the stemmingdevice 10′, the computing device 50 may actuate, for example, the secondlinear servo 30′ in order to lift or raise the valve-engaging portion14′ such that the valve V is arranged at a horizontal plane below thevalve hole W_(V) that is bored through the wheel W.

Referring to FIGS. 8B-8C, the computing device 50 may actuate the firstlinear servo 28 in order to horizontally move the valve-engaging portion14′ such that the rubber valve body V_(B) of the valve V isaxially-aligned with the valve hole W_(V) that is bored through thewheel W. Then, as seen at FIGS. 8C-8D, in an example, the computingdevice 50 may actuate the third linear servo 32′ in order to insert therubber valve body V_(B) of the valve V into the valve hole W_(V) andurging the rubber valve body V_(B) of the valve V through the valve holeW_(V) Accordingly, the intended result arising from the actuation of thethird linear servo 32′ is that the neck portion V_(N) of the valve V isregistered within the valve hole W_(V) of the wheel W such that thevalve V is adequately-secured to the wheel W. After the valve V isadequately-secured to the wheel W, the valve V seals the valve holeW_(V) from surrounding atmosphere A for maintaining pressure within thecircumferential air cavity T_(AC) of the tire T for keeping thetire-wheel assembly TW in an inflated state. Then, as seen at FIGS.8D-8E, the computing device 50 may actuate the plurality of linearservos 28′-32′ in a reverse order as described above in order towithdrawal the valve-engaging portion 14′ away from the valve hole W_(V)of the wheel W after the valve V has been secured to the wheel W.

FIG. 13 is schematic view of an example computing device 1100 that maybe used to implement the systems and methods described in this document.The components 1110, 1120, 1130, 1140, 1150, and 1160 shown at FIG. 13 ,their connections and relationships, and their functions, are meant tobe exemplary only, and are not meant to limit implementations of theinventions described and/or claimed in this document.

The computing device 1100 includes a processor 1110, memory 1120, astorage device 1130, a high-speed interface/controller 1140 connectingto the memory 1120 and high-speed expansion ports 1150, and a low speedinterface/controller 1160 connecting to a low speed bus 1170 and astorage device 1130. Each of the components 1110, 1120, 1130, 1140,1150, and 1160, are interconnected using various busses, and may bemounted on a common motherboard or in other manners as appropriate. Theprocessor 1110 can process instructions for execution within thecomputing device 1100, including instructions stored in the memory 1120or on the storage device 1130 to display graphical information for agraphical user interface (GUI) on an external input/output device, suchas display screen 1180 coupled to high speed interface 1140. In otherimplementations, multiple processors and/or multiple buses may be used,as appropriate, along with multiple memories and types of memory. Also,multiple computing devices 1100 may be connected, with each deviceproviding portions of the necessary operations (e.g., as a server bank,a group of blade servers, or a multi-processor system).

The memory 1120 stores information non-transitorily within the computingdevice 1100. The memory 1120 may be a computer-readable medium, avolatile memory unit(s), or non-volatile memory unit(s). Thenon-transitory memory 1120 may be physical devices used to storeprograms (e.g., sequences of instructions) or data (e.g., program stateinformation) on a temporary or permanent basis for use by the computingdevice 1100. Examples of non-volatile memory include, but are notlimited to, flash memory and read-only memory (ROM)/programmableread-only memory (PROM)/erasable programmable read-only memory(EPROM)/electronically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM)(e.g., typically used for firmware, such as boot programs). Examples ofvolatile memory include, but are not limited to, random access memory(RAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory(SRAM), phase change memory (PCM) as well as disks or tapes.

The storage device 1130 is capable of providing mass storage for thecomputing device 1100. In some implementations, the storage device 1130is a computer-readable medium. In various different implementations, thestorage device 1130 may be a floppy disk device, a hard disk device, anoptical disk device, or a tape device, a flash memory or other similarsolid state memory device, or an array of devices, including devices ina storage area network or other configurations. In additionalimplementations, a computer program product is tangibly embodied in aninformation carrier. The computer program product contains instructionsthat, when executed, perform one or more methods, such as thosedescribed above. The information carrier is a computer- ormachine-readable medium, such as the memory 1120, the storage device1130, or memory on processor 1110.

The high speed controller 1140 manages bandwidth-intensive operationsfor the computing device 1100, while the low speed controller 1160manages lower bandwidth-intensive operations. Such allocation of dutiesis exemplary only. In some implementations, the high-speed controller1140 is coupled to the memory 1120, the display screen 1180 (e.g.,through a graphics processor or accelerator), and to the high-speedexpansion ports 1150, which may accept various expansion cards (notshown). In some implementations, the low-speed controller 1160 iscoupled to the storage device 1130 and a low-speed expansion port 1190.The low-speed expansion port 1190, which may include variouscommunication ports (e.g., USB, Bluetooth, Ethernet, wireless Ethernet),may be coupled to one or more input/output devices, such as a keyboard,a pointing device, a scanner, or a networking device such as a switch orrouter, e.g., through a network adapter.

The computing device 1100 may be implemented in a number of differentforms, as shown in the figure. For example, it may be implemented in alaptop computer 1100 a.

Various implementations of the systems and techniques described hereincan be realized in digital electronic and/or optical circuitry,integrated circuitry, specially designed ASICs (application specificintegrated circuits), computer hardware, firmware, software, and/orcombinations thereof. These various implementations can includeimplementation in one or more computer programs that are executableand/or interpretable on a programmable system including at least oneprogrammable processor, which may be special or general purpose, coupledto receive data and instructions from, and to transmit data andinstructions to, a storage system, at least one input device, and atleast one output device.

These computer programs (also known as programs, software, softwareapplications or code) include machine instructions for a programmableprocessor, and can be implemented in a high-level procedural and/orobject-oriented programming language, and/or in assembly/machinelanguage. As used herein, the terms “machine-readable medium” and“computer-readable medium” refer to any computer program product,non-transitory computer readable medium, apparatus and/or device (e.g.,magnetic discs, optical disks, memory, Programmable Logic Devices(PLDs)) used to provide machine instructions and/or data to aprogrammable processor, including a machine-readable medium thatreceives machine instructions as a machine-readable signal. The term“machine-readable signal” refers to any signal used to provide machineinstructions and/or data to a programmable processor.

A software application (i.e., a software resource) may refer to computersoftware that causes a computing device to perform a task. In someexamples, a software application may be referred to as an “application,”an “app,” or a “program.” Example applications include, but are notlimited to, system diagnostic applications, system managementapplications, system maintenance applications, word processingapplications, spreadsheet applications, messaging applications, mediastreaming applications, social networking applications, and gamingapplications.

The processes and logic flows described in this specification can beperformed by one or more programmable processors, also referred to asdata processing hardware, executing one or more computer programs toperform functions by operating on input data and generating output. Theprocesses and logic flows can also be performed by special purpose logiccircuitry, e.g., an FPGA (field programmable gate array) or an ASIC(application specific integrated circuit). Processors suitable for theexecution of a computer program include, by way of example, both generaland special purpose microprocessors, and any one or more processors ofany kind of digital computer. Generally, a processor will receiveinstructions and data from a read only memory or a random access memoryor both. The essential elements of a computer are a processor forperforming instructions and one or more memory devices for storinginstructions and data. Generally, a computer will also include, or beoperatively coupled to receive data from or transfer data to, or both,one or more mass storage devices for storing data, e.g., magnetic,magneto optical disks, or optical disks. However, a computer need nothave such devices. Computer readable media suitable for storing computerprogram instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory,media and memory devices, including by way of example semiconductormemory devices, e.g., EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magneticdisks, e.g., internal hard disks or removable disks; magneto opticaldisks; and CD ROM and DVD-ROM disks. The processor and the memory can besupplemented by, or incorporated in, special purpose logic circuitry.

To provide for interaction with a user, one or more aspects of thedisclosure can be implemented on a computer having a display device,e.g., a CRT (cathode ray tube), LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor, ortouch screen for displaying information to the user and optionally akeyboard and a pointing device, e.g., a mouse or a trackball, by whichthe user can provide input to the computer. Other kinds of devices canbe used to provide interaction with a user as well; for example,feedback provided to the user can be any form of sensory feedback, e.g.,visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback; and input fromthe user can be received in any form, including acoustic, speech, ortactile input. In addition, a computer can interact with a user bysending documents to and receiving documents from a device that is usedby the user; for example, by sending web pages to a web browser on auser's client device in response to requests received from the webbrowser.

A number of implementations have been described. Nevertheless, it willbe understood that various modifications may be made without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the disclosure. For example, sensing aforce using a force transducer has been used as an example of anembodiment of this invention. However, other types of transducers couldbe used in the place of a force transducer to detect physical parametersassociated with installing the tire-wheel assembly valve (V). Some ofthese other types of transducers include: a pressure transducer forsensing reactive pressure sensed by the stemming device during thetire-wheel assembly valve (V) install procedure; a relative distancetransducer for sensing relative distance between the stemming device andsome other device during tire-wheel assembly valve (V) installprocedure; an absolute position sensor for sensing absolute distancebetween the stemming device and some other device tire-wheel assemblyvalve (V) install procedure; a proximity sensor for sensing theproximity between the stemming device and some other device during thetire-wheel assembly valve (V) install procedure. Accordingly, otherimplementations are within the scope of the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system comprising: data processing hardware;and memory hardware in communication with the data processing hardware,the memory hardware storing instructions that when executed on the dataprocessing hardware cause the data processing hardware to performoperations including: receiving data associated with at least onephysical parameter associated with installing a tire-wheel assemblyvalve including a transducer that is operatively coupled to thetire-wheel assembly valve; recording the received data while inserting,with a stemming device, the tire-wheel assembly valve through a valvehole of a wheel; analyzing the recorded data; and determining whetherthe tire-wheel assembly valve is adequately installed within the valvehole of the wheel based on the analyzed recorded data.
 2. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the operations further comprise: sending a validationsignal to a wheel processing system for validating whether thetire-wheel assembly valve is adequately installed within the valve holeof the wheel.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the operations furthercomprise: sending a rejection signal to a wheel processing system forrejecting the tire-wheel assembly valve for being inadequately installedwithin the valve hole of the wheel.
 4. The system of claim 1, whereinanalyzing the recorded data includes numerically estimating a timederivative of the at least one physical parameter acting along aninstallation axis of the stemming device over time.
 5. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the at least one physical parameter includes at leastone of: force; pressure; absolute distance; relative distance; orproximity.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein determining whether thetire-wheel assembly valve is adequately installed within the valve holeof the wheel based on the analyzed recorded data includes determiningwhether the recorded data is similar to a predetermined value.
 7. Thesystem of claim 6, wherein the predetermined value is determined fromdata corresponding to a plurality of adequately installed tire-wheelassembly valves.
 8. The system of of claim 1, further comprisingcomparing the recorded data to data corresponding to a plurality ofadequately installed tire-wheel assembly valves, wherein the datacorresponding to the plurality of adequately installed tire-wheelassembly valves is stored in the memory hardware.
 9. A methodcomprising: receiving data associated with at least one physicalparameter associated with installing a tire-wheel assembly valveincluding a transducer that is operatively coupled to the tire-wheelassembly valve; recording the received data while inserting, with astemming device, the tire-wheel assembly valve through a valve hole of awheel; analyzing the recorded data; and determining whether thetire-wheel assembly valve is adequately installed within the valve holeof the wheel based on the analyzed recorded data.
 10. The method ofclaim 9, further comprising: sending a validation signal to a wheelprocessing system for validating whether the tire-wheel assembly valveis adequately installed within the valve hole of the wheel.
 11. Themethod of claim 9, further comprising: sending a rejection signal to awheel processing system for rejecting the tire-wheel assembly valve forbeing inadequately installed within the valve hole of the wheel.
 12. Themethod of claim 9, wherein analyzing the recorded data includesnumerically estimating a time derivative of the at least one physicalparameter acting along an installation axis of the stemming device overtime.
 13. The method of claim 9, wherein the at least one physicalparameter includes at least one of: force; pressure; absolute distance;relative distance; or proximity.
 14. The method of claim 9, whereindetermining whether the tire-wheel assembly valve is adequatelyinstalled within the valve hole of the wheel based on the analyzedrecorded data includes determining whether the recorded data is similarto a predetermined value.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein thepredetermined value is determined from data corresponding to a pluralityof adequately installed tire-wheel assembly valves.
 16. The method ofclaim 9, further comprising comparing the recorded data to datacorresponding to a plurality of adequately installed tire-wheel assemblyvalves, wherein the data corresponding to the plurality of adequatelyinstalled tire-wheel assembly valves is stored in the memory hardware.17. A stemming system comprising: a computing device including dataprocessing hardware and memory hardware in communication with the dataprocessing hardware, wherein the data processing hardware includes atransmitter and a receiver; and a stemming devicecommunicatively-coupled to the computing device, wherein the stemmingdevice includes a base portion and a valve-engaging portion, wherein thevalve-engaging portion includes a transducer configured to obtain ameasurement communicated to the receiver of the computing device,wherein the measurement is associated with at least one physicalparameter related to installation of a tire-wheel assembly valve to awheel, wherein the data processing hardware is configured to analyze themeasurement to determine whether the tire-wheel assembly valve isadequately installed by the stemming device.
 18. The stemming system ofclaim 17, wherein the data processing hardware is configured todetermine whether the whether the measurement is similar to apredetermined value.
 19. The stemming system of claim 18, wherein thedata processing hardware is configured to determine the predeterminedvalue from data corresponding to a plurality of adequately installedtire-wheel assembly valves.
 20. The stemming system of claim 17, whereinthe data processing hardware is configured to compare the measurement todata corresponding to a plurality of adequately installed tire-wheelassembly valves, wherein the data corresponding to the plurality ofadequately installed tire-wheel assembly valves is stored in the memoryhardware.